Fresh Mayo concern over delay with €35m. flood relief project

A Mayo TD has said the flood relief scheme promised for Crossmolina could be with the minister for approval in early 2023.

Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee, who heard from members of the Office of Public Works (OPW), Deputy Alan Dillon said there was huge frustration in Crossmolina amongst the community and businesses.

“This flooding happened in December 2015 and we are seven years on. We keep getting generic responses as to when the proposed scheme will get the go ahead.”

Mr Maurice Buckley, chairman of the Officer of Public Works, said the OPW appreciate there is anxiousness within the community to get this dealt with because there has been severe flooding in Crossmolina in the past.

“This is a big scheme, €35 million worth. It is a very innovative scheme, it’s doing things we haven’t done before. It has met various obstacles working its way through the process, but I think it is in a good place at the moment.”

Jim Casey, Head of Flood Risk Management, OPW, said: “The scheme is currently with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a decision on confirmation.

"As part of this process a public consultation took place in July on additional information which is currently being assessed as part of the overall application.

"The minister will revert with a decision to confirm, refuse or request additional information. That is expected shortly.”

Deputy Dillon expressed his disappointment that a decision by the Minister was not forthcoming and requested a timeline due to the serious risk of future flooding in Crossmolina.

Marie Mulvihill, Principal Officer in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said following the second public consultation finished last July, submissions received were sent to their independent Environmental Consultants.

“They completed the assessment of those submissions and are formalising and finalising their assessment of the overall scheme in order to make a recommendation to the Minister. That hasn’t come to us yet from the consultants, the final overall assessment. I don’t have a definitive timeline but early New Year is our hope. I will revert back to you Deputy Dillon on this in a week.”